Discontinue this immediately – Franklin Cudjoe on ¢1 dumsor levy

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has urged Energy Minister John Jinapor to stop the new ¢1 fuel levy.

The Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025 raises the levy on petroleum products by GH¢1. This measure aims to generate GH¢5.7 billion in revenue. The funds will help reduce energy sector debts and address erratic power supply, known as dumsor.

Ato Forson spoke in Parliament about the energy sector's financial needs. He stated that at least $3.7 billion is needed to clear current debts. In 2025, an additional $1.2 billion will be required for essential fuel procurement for thermal power generation.

Forson warned that the power sector risks collapse without resolving these debts. The government plans to increase pump prices for diesel and petrol but claims consumers won't pay more due to a strong cedi performance.

The Minority Caucus criticized the levy and staged a walkout during its approval. Cudjoe responded on X, calling the levy a "Dumsor Levy" and urging Jinapor to discontinue it immediately.

He emphasized that there are ways to cut waste in the energy sector. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, called the new GH¢1 fuel levy regressive and harmful to consumers already facing strain.